Visitors hurt turtle nesting

MOTORBIKES and other vehicles are churning up sand dunes and turtle nesting sites on Nelly Bay damaging the delicate eco system.

Whitsunday Regional Council has noticed an increase in badly behaved visitors littering and damaging the haven for green and flat back turtles.

There have also been quite a number of illegal campers who have been told to move on.

Well known for its quiet leisurely walks, wildlife and home to turtle nesting, Nelly Bay is an area frequented by day users, both locals and tourists.

However, a notable increase in reckless and illegal behaviour has refocused council's attention toward the area.

The use of vehicles and motorbikes has had a major impact on the dunes, turtle nests and the delicate eco system while illegal camping had added litter and fires to the list of irresponsible actions undertaken by a small number of users.

Community and environment director Gavin Crawford said council was considering tougher regulation.

“Council has in the past monitored this area in conjunction with 'out of ordinary hours' surveillance through security patrols,” Mr Crawford said.

“Education and the issuing of warnings were initially effective in the reduction of illegal camping and other activities however this no longer appears to be the case.

“Recent increases in the value of penalty units as prescribed in legislation may find fines as high as $2000 applicable to individuals found in breach of camping laws.”

Nelly Bay is north of Airlie Beach, near Dingo Beach and Hideaway Bay.

Mr Crawford said council was aware of the environmental importance of the region and encouraged users to think before undertaking activities which had the potential to adversely affect the area.

It was illegal to camp outside a designated camping ground.

Vehicles and motorbikes have had a major impact on the dunes, turtle nests and the delicate eco system while illegal camping brought litter and fires.